![]() ![]() Along with an all-new processor that delivers lightning-fast route calculation, its main headline features are Garmin’s Trailforks off-road mapping and new MTB functions that score trail difficulty, assess your riding skills and even keep count of your jumps.īut it’s not only good news for mountain bikers the Edge 530 also focuses heavily on the minor details of your training, notifying you when it’s time to eat and hydrate, as well factoring heat and altitude acclimatisation into recovery advice. Price when reviewed: £260 | Check price at Wiggleīrand new from Garmin, the Edge 530 is the most complete bike computer you can currently buy under £300. Garmin Edge 530: Best GPS-equipped all-rounder You’ll either need to rely on the speed sensor in your turbo trainer, or attach the sensor and magnet to the rear wheel – which, while possible with a wired model, will be very fiddly.Ģ. One point worth mentioning here is that if you’re looking to use your bike on an indoor turbo trainer, the magnet and sensor on your stationary front wheel will be useless. If you just want an idea of how far you’ve ridden and how quickly, you don’t need to spend much – well, as long as you don’t want the GPS tracking required for properly uploading rides to Strava. ![]() Wired bike computers are generally cheap, tough, and have better battery life than models that rely on wireless communication. ![]() Each has their own benefits, which we won’t get into here, but suffice to say most of us just don’t need one – heart rate is a good enough indicator of effort levels for non-pros.įor basic duties, no. ![]() These measure how much power you’re putting out, and come in various forms – cranks, pedals, or hubs. These start at around £300 and work their up to and over the £1,000 mark. Chest-strap types are generally more accurate, however, and are much less likely to lose signal when the going gets rough, or fast. Heart-rate monitors come in watch-style or chest-strap types.This is a useful metric to help ensure that you’re pedalling as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Cadence is measured with a magnet/sensor combo attached to the pedal crank and chainstay, but heart rate and power both require dedicated sensors.This opens up mapping and GPS navigation features – you can upload pre-planned routes, for instance – and allows the computer to connect with your smartphone, computer and other devices.Ĭycle computers with ANT+ and Bluetooth also open the door to third-party sensors that allow you to record other metrics such as power (how many watts you’re putting out), heart rate and cadence (the number of revolutions your crank makes per minute). Are there any other features to think about?Įven mid-range bike computers these days typically do without wires altogether and instead use wireless connectivity, typically using either the Bluetooth or ANT+ standards. This is why pricier models tend to support both GPS and GLONASS satellite networks, so have more satellites with which to accurately pinpoint your location. It can be less reliable where there’s a lot of tree cover or tall buildings about, though, as it will struggle to maintain an accurate GPS lock on the satellites overhead. This is the ideal, hassle-free option for most types of riding, and allows you to upload your rides to fitness-tracking apps such as Strava. More expensive models add satellite tracking into the mix, so use satellites to locate your position and calculate your speed and distance covered. Here we’ll take you through the main features to look for when shopping for a new cycling computer, then we’ll run through a selection of the best options out there for budget, mid-range and high-end cycling computers, and explain what each of them offers. It helps to know what you need and what you don’t, the features and technologies on offer, and the cycle computers out there that meet those needs and give you the most bang for your buck – however much you have to spend. Basic units cost little more than you might spend on a mid-ride lunch stop at your favourite country pub, while the most advanced will easily set you back the cost of a Michelin-starred meal for two.ĭeciding which is the right option for you is about more than just your budget, though. Just like your bike itself, however, there’s a computer for every budget. Whether you’re looking to gauge how far you’ve ridden, track fitness gains or compare your performance to millions around the world on sites such as Strava, you need to invest in a bike computer. Cycle computers are a key component in any cyclist’s arsenal of equipment. ![]()
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